The United States is a nation facing a profound and fundamental decision - Who are we going to be? The greatest threat to America's enduring legacy of self-determination, self-reliance, and personal responsibility is the people themselves. The crux of our democratic republic is an active, informed, and responsible citizenry. "Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty." - Wendell Phillips

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

America Defined

America is...

More than just a country. More than
its people. More than its beliefs. A tangible thing. The torch
President John F. Kennedy spoke of that is passed between the
generations. A bright light in the history of human civilization. A
combination of our past, present, and future. Our triumphs and
failures. Our dreams, those we have made reality and those yet to be
realized. The whispers of wisdom from the past that guide us to this
very day. The genius of a society guided by, and a government
subservient to the rule of law. Evidence of what happens when the
awesome power of human potential is unleashed, and when an
individual's status is the product of the individual's own actions.
The sacrifice of life, limb, and missed moments that have been borne
by all that have worn the many uniforms of our nation's military.
The worry, longing, and hope of those that are left behind. Our
majestic flag waving defiantly against the ever present winds of
tyranny and repression, while symbolizing our foundation of freedom,
strength, honor, and the promise of self-determination. Our rising
to the challenge, resurrection from the ashes, learning from our
mistakes. Our evolution from a loosely bound group of colonies to
global power. A transformation from a fragile idea that our
forefathers dared to conceive, to a mighty nation that has stood the
test of time. Our redefining the world, and our liberation of God
given rights. Our example of the greatness of possibility, the
results of determination, and the undeniable conviction of the
American Spirit. The enshrined freedom to speak our minds, worship
our God, and choose our leaders. Our choice in allies and how we
treat them. Who we make our enemy and how we choose to deal with
them. Our selection of when to make a stand, and how steadfast we
remain. The sleeping giant. A gift as the world has never seen, and
one many do not properly appreciate. Our home and our birthright.
Our blessing and our responsibility. The source of never ending
envy. A short but glorious history, full of monumental success and
regrettable transgressions. Our aspirations, our decisions, and our
motivations. Our burden to bear for being the “shining city on the
hill.” Our reputation, the result of a people who repeatedly
defied the odds. Our ability to come together in trying times to
confront and defeat anyone or anything that dares to threaten us.
Our ability to continually rise up, regardless of how hard or how many
times we are stammered. Our variety, our melting pot, our culture –
the product of being a nation that draws from all the corners of the
world. A great mosaic of people coming to seek a chance, a chance to
turn hope into aspirations fulfilled. Facing the disturbing fact
that we are our own greatest threat, and our only hope for
redemption. Understanding that we are the solutions as we created
the problems. Our arrogance of entitlement, the result of losing
faith in ourselves. Our ignorance, the consequence of selling our
souls to the highest paying politician. Our failing integrity, the
effect of looking to place blame instead of accepting responsibility.
Our free market system under constant assault from the intrusive and
self-righteous hand of government. Mankind's last, best hope at its
most natural civilized state. The possibility of a fulfilled
prophecy of downfall for failing to hold ourselves accountable as
informed and prudent voters. Knowing that we owe a debt to those
that came before us. Accepting the obligations that this nation
demands of its citizens. Standing vigilant during our turn as the
guardian of the flame in order to ensure the promise continues, and
an ever-brightening torch is passed to the next generation.

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